In what promises to be a thrilling spectacle, two of Brazil's finest mixed martial artists, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, are set to take center stage this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This electrifying matchup is the main event of UFC Fight Night, and both athletes have their eyes locked on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: A Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos comes into the fight with a formidable record of 14-3-1. Known as the strawweight division's top threat when it comes to knockdowns, she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Although Lemos suffered a decision loss to champion Zhang Weili, she bounced back with a significant decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and fighting spirit.
Lemos’s ability to improve her performance is one of her strongest assets. Reflecting on her career, she expressed how her fight with Zhang Weili was a pivotal learning experience. "It was an amazing opportunity and a dream come true. I learned a lot. We watched all my mistakes. I saw all the situations and errors that were made. I trained a lot to make sure I didn't commit them again," she shared. Her evolution as a fighter is evident, making her a formidable contender in any bout.
However, Lemos’s ambitions don’t stop at merely learning from past fights. For her, each match is an opportunity for growth and improvement. "I'm a fighter that wants to finish time. I want to get home as quickly as possible but a win is a win. The thing that I evaluate the most is how much I've evolved as a fighter. How much more improvement was there? If I'm a better fighter [than the last time], I'm happy with my performance," she elaborated.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submissions Expert
On the other side of the Octagon is Virna Jandiroba, boasting an impressive record of 20-3. She is currently riding a three-fight winning streak and has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Jandiroba also carries the prestige of being a former Invicta champion and made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza.
While Jandiroba’s submission game made her a dominant force on the regional circuit, with 11 of her 14 regional wins coming via submission, she hasn’t been able to replicate that consistent success in the UFC. Despite this, Jandiroba’s recent performances indicate a significant mental shift that has contributed to her success. "Although the level of the girls now is extremely high -- they're very strong and tough -- I believe the biggest key to finishing more people in the division is mental. I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth, and my jiu-jitsu," she stated.
This mental transformation has been a game-changer for Jandiroba, who now feels more confident in her abilities. "I know I have the jiu-jitsu required to tap out many girls in the Top 10. The mental part has always been challenging, and that changed a few fights ago. I think I'm going towards that line of being able to submit more people," she added.
The Path to the Title
As both fighters prepare for this crucial bout, the stakes couldn't be higher. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, who boasts a perfect 10-0 record. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could catapult them closer to a title shot in the highly competitive strawweight division.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking prowess, while Jandiroba’s striking defense rate stands at an impressive 57%, with a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC. These stats underscore the contrasting styles that each fighter brings to the Octagon, setting the stage for an intriguing clash of skills and strategies.
Both fighters have shown remarkable improvement in their recent performances. Lemos has sharpened her skills since her loss to Weili, and Jandiroba has embraced a mental transformation that has bolstered her confidence and performance. As they step into the Octagon on Saturday night, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle with potential championship ramifications.
Regardless of the outcome, the clash between Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba promises to be an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action, with both fighters leaving everything inside the Octagon in pursuit of victory.